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1985 Omega Chronograph Caliber 861............what Do You Think?

Sgt_Bilko
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$800 is a lot more than I would be happy to spend on a watch service. I've only used a watchmaker in another country once, which was for an Omega F300, but it may be a better option for you to find a watchmaker outside Japan.
 
Skyblue44
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Sgt_Bilko Sgt_Bilko
$800 is a lot more than I would be happy to spend on a watch service. I've only used a watchmaker in another country once, which was for an Omega F300, but it may be a better option for you to find a watchmaker outside Japan.
I recommend the watch service in South Korea. The watchmakers here are very good and charge about $200 for overhauling the 1861 movement. Last time I checked, service through the Omega service center was about $600.
 
Archer
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kingcesc kingcesc
This is how a local watch-repair look like in Japan.

Nice work on the staff, but then bare fingers all over the movement - drives me nuts seeing this stuff...
 
Sgt_Bilko
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My one was serviced just over 2 months ago and winding smoothly with just the usual gentle increase in tension as it becomes fully wound. I wind it every morning at around the same time.

On Saturday and Sunday it felt really quite stiff the whole time and I was concerned something was amiss. I was planning on calling the watchmaker for advice, but when I wound it this morning everything was fine, so I'm wondering what that might have been and if I should still contact them or simply keep an eye on it. At a guess this might have been related to a seal breaking in near the crown and stem.
 
heccsat
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20170705_135058-1.jpg

I changed my mind. I will rather sell my 145.022. This one suits me better.
 
Sgt_Bilko
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heccsat heccsat
I changed my mind. I will rather sell my 145.022. This one suits me better.

Wow, so you are selling the Speedy and keeping this one instead. You must like it!
 
heccsat
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Sgt_Bilko Sgt_Bilko
Wow, so you are selling the Speedy and keeping this one instead. You must like it!
Yeah 😀 I think the DeVille has better proportions, than the Speedy.
 
Sgt_Bilko
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Prices on Speedies are going crazy, so from a financial point of view you may do better to keep the Speedy for a while if you can afford to do so. This is my 145.022 circa 1971, but I am sticking with the De Ville Prestige as my daily wearer 😀

P1000751.jpg
 
heccsat
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IMG_20170627_132838_348.jpg
This is mine from '79. I find the 42 mm case too big for me.
Edited:
 
Sgt_Bilko
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That picture I showed is on my father's wrist. It looks pretty huge on my puny wrists, but I don't find it uncomfortable with the right strap. The Speedy is a solid beast, but I like the elegance of the De Ville and having the same Cal 861 movement is a real bonus.
 
heccsat
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Sgt_Bilko Sgt_Bilko
That picture I showed is on my father's wrist. It looks pretty huge on my puny wrists, but I don't find it uncomfortable with the right strap. The Speedy is a solid beast, but I like the elegance of the De Ville and having the same Cal 861 movement is a real bonus.

Yes, I think this movement makes this watch a really interesting piece, there is only one other non-Speedmaster Omega with this movement (if I'm not mistaken). So this is kind of special.
 
Croweater
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The DeVille is a lovely looking watch,now on my wanted list.
 
Skyblue44
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Finally got my 19mm rios ostrich strap. I think it is a good fit.
20170706_220739.jpg

On the wrist:
20170706_220637.jpg
 
Sgt_Bilko
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I've asked this on another thread, but not had an answer. Does anybody know the difference between the 1508/835 and the 1509/836 bracelets? I've seen both references mentioned in relation to this watch. It looks like they may have been used on Constellations as well.
 
Sgt_Bilko
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This one has finally been united with a stainless steel bracelet. I've been quietly looking for a couple years, but finally managed to find an unused example that still had the plastic covers on at a great price.

IMG_20170714_151304.jpg IMG_20170714_151319.jpg
Edited:
 
Sgt_Bilko
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It's actually hard to choose between the bracelet and the leather strap. I find them equally comfortable and think this is one of the nicest bracelets I've seen from Omega. The leather creates a nice contrast and I generally like a brown leather strap on a stainless steel watch. I'll have to wear it for a while with the bracelet to decide.

IMG_20170715_084131.jpg
 
ras47
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I do like the DeVille Chrono, but I'd prefer a little more contrast between the dial and sub-dials. 42mm is right in my wheelhouse.
 
Skyblue44
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The bracelet definitely has a classic vibe to it. Wear it in good health!
 
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